Intel Core i7-8705G vs Intel Xeon E3-1270 v5 Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head data is unambiguous: the Intel Xeon E3-1270 v5 wins all six benchmark comparisons against the Intel Core i7-8705G. The margin is remarkably consistent, with the Xeon taking every multi-core and single-core test by roughly 8.6% to 9%. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the Xeon scores 7082 against the i7-8705G's 6464, a delta of -8.7% for the mobile part. Single-core R23 shows the same pattern: 999 versus 912, also -8.7%. The smallest gap in percentage terms is in Cinebench R20 single-core, where the Xeon leads 419 to 383, a -8.6% delta. The largest relative advantage for the Xeon appears in Cinebench R15 single-core, where it posts 100 against the i7-8705G's 91, a -9% difference.

This consistency across both single-threaded and multi-threaded workloads suggests the Xeon's advantage is not workload-specific but rather a general performance edge. The i7-8705G does not secure a single win in any of the six head-to-head tests, giving the Xeon a clean 6-0 sweep. Looking at the broader benchmark averages, the two processors land nearly on top of each other: the i7-8705G has an average benchmark score of 2058, while the Xeon E3-1270 v5 averages 2048. That 10-point difference is within noise, and both sit at the 46th percentile among all CPUs. The nearest rivals for the i7-8705G include the AMD Ryzen 5 3400G at 2059 (-0.1% delta) and the AMD Ryzen 3 3100 at 2055 (+0.2%), while the Xeon's closest competitors include the Intel Core i7-7820HK at 2048 (0% delta) and the AMD Ryzen 5 7520U at 2046 (+0.1%). The data indicates both CPUs occupy a similar performance tier overall, even though the Xeon wins every direct comparison in the head-to-head suite.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural generations and target different market segments, which explains their divergent characteristics despite identical core and thread counts. The Intel Core i7-8705G is built on Kaby Lake architecture (codename Kaby Lake G) and belongs to the Core i7 (Kaby Lake-G) generation. It was released on 2018-01-06 and is classified as a Mobile segment part. In contrast, the Intel Xeon E3-1270 v5 uses Skylake architecture (codename Skylake-DT) from the Xeon E3 (Skylake-DT) generation, released earlier on 2015-10-18, and targets the Server/Workstation segment. Both are fabricated on Intel's 14 nm process node, but the die sizes differ slightly: the i7-8705G measures 125 mm², while the Xeon E3-1270 v5 is slightly smaller at 122 mm². The Xeon's transistor count is listed at 1,750 million, whereas no transistor figure is provided for the i7-8705G.

Clock speeds tell an interesting story. The Xeon E3-1270 v5 has a higher base clock of 3.60 GHz compared to the i7-8705G's 3.10 GHz, yet the i7-8705G has a higher boost clock of 4.10 GHz versus the Xeon's 4.00 GHz. This means the mobile part can reach a higher peak frequency under boost conditions, but the Xeon sustains a higher frequency at base. The Xeon also carries a higher TDP at 80 watts versus 65 watts for the i7-8705G, reflecting its server-oriented design with more headroom for sustained operation. Socket compatibility differs entirely: the i7-8705G uses Intel BGA 2270 (a soldered mobile socket), while the Xeon E3-1270 v5 uses Intel Socket 1151, a standard desktop socket. The i7-8705G includes integrated graphics in the form of Intel HD Graphics 630, while the Xeon E3-1270 v5 has no integrated graphics at all.

Cache hierarchies are identical: both have 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 8 MB of shared L3. Memory support differs, with the i7-8705G supporting only DDR4 on a dual-channel bus with 38.4 GB/s bandwidth, while the Xeon E3-1270 v5 supports both DDR3 and DDR4 on a dual-channel bus with 34.1 GB/s bandwidth. The Xeon's broader memory compatibility comes at a lower peak bandwidth. ECC memory support is another differentiator: the Xeon E3-1270 v5 supports ECC memory, while the i7-8705G does not. PCIe connectivity also favors the Xeon, which offers 16 lanes of Gen 3 (CPU only) versus 8 lanes for the i7-8705G. Both processors have locked multipliers, so neither supports overclocking. The i7-8705G has the part number SR3RK, while the Xeon E3-1270 v5 is SR2LF.

Where Each One Wins

Based on the head-to-head data, the Intel Xeon E3-1270 v5 is the clear winner across all tested workloads. The Xeon's consistent 8.6% to 9% lead in both single-core and multi-core Cinebench tests indicates it is the stronger choice for any CPU-bound task, whether that be rendering, encoding, or general productivity. The Xeon's higher base clock of 3.60 GHz likely contributes to its sustained performance advantage, as does its 80-watt TDP, which allows for more consistent power delivery under load. For users prioritizing raw compute performance in a workstation or server environment, the data points squarely to the Xeon E3-1270 v5.

The Core i7-8705G does not win any benchmark in the head-to-head suite, but its strengths lie elsewhere. It includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 630), which the Xeon lacks entirely, making it a viable option for systems that do not have a discrete GPU. Its lower TDP of 65 watts suggests it is more power-efficient at idle or light loads, which is relevant for mobile or compact systems. The i7-8705G also has a higher boost clock of 4.10 GHz, which could provide short bursts of performance in lightly threaded tasks, although the benchmark data shows the Xeon still wins in single-core tests. The i7-8705G's support for higher memory bandwidth (38.4 GB/s versus 34.1 GB/s) could benefit memory-intensive applications, even though the Xeon's overall compute performance is higher.

For gaming or general consumer use, the i7-8705G's integrated graphics and mobile form factor (BGA 2270) make it a practical choice in laptops or compact desktops. The Xeon E3-1270 v5, with its server/workstation segment classification, ECC memory support, and 16 PCIe lanes, is better suited for professional workloads that require reliability and expandability. The Xeon's support for both DDR3 and DDR4 gives system builders more flexibility in memory selection, while the i7-8705G's exclusive DDR4 support is more modern but less flexible. Ultimately, the Xeon wins on performance across the board, while the i7-8705G wins on integration and power efficiency.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in multi-core workloads?

A: The Intel Xeon E3-1270 v5 is faster in all multi-core tests. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, it scores 7082 versus the i7-8705G's 6464, a -8.7% delta. Similar margins appear in R20 (2974 vs 2714) and R15 (713 vs 651).

Q: Does the Core i7-8705G win any benchmark against the Xeon E3-1270 v5?

A: No. The head-to-head data shows the Xeon winning all six comparisons, covering Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 in both single-core and multi-core modes. The i7-8705G has zero wins.

Q: What are the memory support differences between the two?

A: The i7-8705G supports only DDR4 with 38.4 GB/s bandwidth, while the Xeon E3-1270 v5 supports both DDR3 and DDR4 with 34.1 GB/s bandwidth. The Xeon also supports ECC memory, which the i7-8705G does not.

Q: Do both processors have the same core and thread counts?

A: Yes, both have 4 cores and 8 threads. They also share identical cache sizes: 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and 8 MB shared L3.

Q: Which processor has integrated graphics?

A: Only the Intel Core i7-8705G has integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 630). The Intel Xeon E3-1270 v5 has no integrated graphics.

Q: How do their average benchmark scores compare to their nearest rivals?

A: The i7-8705G averages 2058, with the AMD Ryzen 5 3400G at 2059 (-0.1% delta) and the AMD Ryzen 3 3100 at 2055 (+0.2%). The Xeon E3-1270 v5 averages 2048, with the Intel Core i7-7820HK at 2048 (0% delta) and the AMD Ryzen 5 7520U at 2046 (+0.1%).

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i7-8705G | Intel Xeon E3-1270 v5 |

|---|---|---|

| Base Clock | 3.10 GHz | 3.60 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.10 GHz | 4.00 GHz |

| TDP | 65 W | 80 W |

| Socket | Intel BGA 2270 | Intel Socket 1151 |

| Architecture | Kaby Lake | Skylake |

| Codename | Kaby Lake G | Skylake-DT |

| Generation | Core i7 (Kaby Lake-G) | Xeon E3 (Skylake-DT) |

| Die Size | 125 mm² | 122 mm² |

| Transistors | Not specified | 1,750 million |

| Memory Support | DDR4 | DDR3, DDR4 |

| Memory Bandwidth | 38.4 GB/s | 34.1 GB/s |

| ECC Memory | No | Yes |

| PCIe Lanes | 8 (Gen 3) | 16 (Gen 3) |

| Integrated Graphics | Intel HD Graphics 630 | None |

| Market Segment | Mobile | Server/Workstation |

| Release Date | 2018-01-06 | 2015-10-18 |

| Launch MSRP | Not specified | $339 |

| Part Number | SR3RK | SR2LF |